Global climate change, water pollution, air pollution, environmental contaminants, ozone depletion, acidification, loss of biological diversity… The list of changes and adverse effects of human activities on the environment is long and the task of understanding and resolving them is an important and challenging endeavour.

Environmental science is the study of our environment and the environmental problems which arise from human activities, as well as how we can identify, understand, and resolve those problems. Environmental issues are complex and environmental science is necessarily a multi-disciplinary field of endeavour which draws from both the natural and social sciences, as well as law, medicine, and the humanities.

As a student you will acquire a solid education in a natural science with environmental relevance, an understanding of the societal aspects of environmental problems, and learn about the tools you have in your disposal to resolve environmental problems in a scientific manner. The master’s programme starts with two mandatory courses. Experimental Studies in Environmental Science, 15 ECTS, which deals with sampling and analysis techniques for environmental investigations, data quality, analysis, and compilation, as well as presentation techniques, and Problem Solving in Environmental Science, 15 ECTS, which deals with the analysis of current environmental issues, scientific research and basic statistics applied to relevant environmental problems. At least 30 ECTS at the advanced level are to be taken within your own specialization (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics). 30 ECTS are optional and can be used either to broaden your skills or to deepen your knowledge within your field of specialization. An individual thesis project of at least 30 ECTS is mandatory. The courses in the master’s programme are normally given in English unless all participants are Swedish speaking. The Master’s degree in Environmental Science is of interest for all kinds of environmental work: research, environmental consulting, private industry, environmental authorities, etc.

Special eligibility requirements

Knowledge equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 90 ECTS in one of the subjects: biology, physics, earth science, chemistry or mathematics. A good command of the English language equivalent to English B/English 6.